Re: Dinosaur Illustration

["Jordan Mallon" <j_mallon@hotmail.com>]

> From: "Chris Benzinski" <cbenzinski@hotmail.com>

> I want to draw dinosaurs. My approach is a bit freestyle as I'm not to 
> clued up on the anatomy or physiology of prehistoric reptiles

Nor am I, really (well, I like to think I've got a little more anatomy under 
my belt than when I first started).  But one of the books Dan pointed out, 
_Predatory Dinosaurs of the World_, is useful for theropod musculature.  
Just keep in mind that understanding a dinosaur's range of motion is often 
limited by its musculature (among other things) and that understanding this 
is important when trying to portray a plausible restoration.

> Where do I start ? What do I need ? Is there a future in this field and who 
> are potential clients?

Like Dan said, pictures or photos of the skeleton are a necessity... but it 
doesn't end there.  Look to modern animals as a source of inspiration for 
your textures, colour schemes, poses, etc.  And when possible, use the 
evidence we have in the fossil record to compliment your drawing and to 
illustrate a point.  It's always great when a drawing serves some use.
And although there may not be a lot of room for professional paleoartists, 
I'm sure the determined ones can make it.
Happy drawing,

Jordan Mallon

Undergraduate Student, Carleton University
Vertebrate Paleontology & Paleoecology

Website: http://www.geocities.com/paleoportfolio/
AIM: jslice mallon

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